The group of animal lovers at the press conference
A group of animal lovers, animal activists, rescuers and feeders held a press conference to highlight several issues pertaining to stray dogs and cats.
According to them, although there were some positive developments, there is still a lot more to be done to care and empathy for these animals.
Leading the press conference was, April Sham and her like minded friends held at the Higher Ground Cafe along Leith Street here.
“Firstly, we would like to applaud the police for bringing to book two men involved in the Teluk Tempoyak case.
“We commend Chief Police Dato’ Khaw Kok Chin and the Penang police officers for their swift action in capturing the suspects involved in the Teluk Tempoyak case where a dog was beaten to death. The two men charged will face their court hearing on 16th Aug 2023.
“After years of relentless efforts by NGOs and animal advocates, our society has witnessed some positive changes, but sadly, ongoing animal abuse cases still persist. There is a need to strengthen enforcement measures within the Animal Act. We express our gratitude to the various Academic Groups, concerned lawyers, DVS, and NGOs (MDDB, PAWS, SPCA Selangor) for their unwavering dedication to establishing the Animal Welfare Act in 2015, which came into legal effect on 18th July 2017. Without this legislation, our fight would have been in vain.
“We also thank the Penang State Government for making Penang a caring city by adopting the TNR (Trap Neuter Release) program in replacing the culling method of stray population control. This noble decision has significantly ended animal abuse during the capturing process by using a netting method instead of lasso method.
“We are proud to be living in the first state to initiate TNR, we urge other states’ governments to follow the good example of Penang to adopt TNR.
“Those found guilty of animal abuse will face severe penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Session 29(1)), ranging from a minimum fine of RM20,000 to a maximum of RM100,000, imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both. Such offenses include mutilation, neglect, use of cruel equipment, shooting for sport, and animal fights.
“Also, Section 40 of the new Act empowers animal welfare officers to search and seize premises without a warrant to gather evidence of animal abuse. Although a warrant under Section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Code is generally required, officers can bypass this if there is a risk of evidence tampering, removal, damage, or destruction. These officers are provided with an authority card, which they must present upon request during their exercise of powers,” said Sham.
They also urged members of the public to stop turning a blind eye to animal cruelty and to be courageous and speak out against abuse.
“Animals may not have voices, but we do. If you witness an act of abuse, call the police and NGOs for immediate intervention. Lodge a report at the nearest police station and inform the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), providing any available evidence. NGOs are well-connected with volunteers and can respond quickly to prevent further harm to innocent animals.
They also proposed the installation of sufficient CCTV cameras in market areas to provide evidence for DVS officers to take immediate and serious action against animal dumpers.
“We implore the public to accept strays as part of our community’s friends and guardians. Many stray dogs and cats have lost their habitat due to human actions, or they have been abandoned by irresponsible pet owners. All they seek is food and a safe place to shelter. Remember, dogs are our loyal companions; let us treat them with care and respect.” she ended.
Animal are loveable soul
Let’s help Penang strays by being their voice…